As the Premier League champions completed the £34m capture of Roma midfielder Antonio Rudiger for their first major signing of the summer, their move for midfielder Bakayoko was suddenly under threat.
United have already beaten Chelsea to the chase for £75m Everton striker Romelu Lukaku this week and another snub would be a major blow for already frustrated manager Antonio Conte.
Chelsea were believed to be Lukaku’s preferred option this summer but, despite the Blues matching United’s bid late on Friday night, the Belgium ace was never going to change his mind.
“My mind was already set,” said Lukaku, who is on holiday in Los Angeles with United midfielder Paul Pogba.
“I gave my word and I don’t look back. I didn’t look back since and I was already mentally preparing to be part of the team.”
Lukaku already has some explaining to do to Mourinho after being arrested for “excessive noise violations” at a party he threw at his rented Beverly Hills mansion last weekend and has been ordered to appear at a Los Angeles court on October 2.
Lukaku had a medical over the weekend in the US and was due to meet his new team-mates last night after United’s squad landed in Los Angeles for their pre-season tour.
“This is an opportunity that I’ve always wanted since I was a child,” said Lukaku.
“When [Manchester United] came calling, I didn’t have to think twice. So I’m really delighted to hopefully be part of their history.
“Who would say no to the biggest club in the world? Best stadium in England, the best fans.
“This is the perfect opportunity. I always said I wanted to play for a team that’s challenging for every trophy that there is.
“Manchester United at the minute wants to be the dominant team, that dominant force. If you look at their history, it says enough.”
